Historically, men have held a stronghold in the legal profession in India, making it challenging for women to explore multiple areas of legal landscape, even after protracted legal battles. Female participation remained minor until the late twentieth century, depicting a longstanding gender imbalance. However, the twenty-first century has ushered in a new era, offering increased opportunities for Indian women in law education and training. In this evolving landscape, K. N. Shanthi, an Advocate, stands as a catalyst for change.

As the first lawyer in her family, K. N. Shanthi, Founder of A&S Legal firm, embarked on a transformative journey, navigating complex corporate matters before co-founding an all-women's law firm in Chennai. With a focus on supporting women re-entering the workforce, Shanthi's commitment to empowerment extends beyond legal practice. With over 15 years of experience, Shanthi brings a wealth of expertise, specializing in property litigation and contributing to the diversification of legal practice.

All woman law-firm, A&S Legal, established in 2019 under her leadership, has evolved into a hub of legal excellence and inclusivity. Shanthi's role as a partner and senior colleague involves inspiring and guiding the next generation of women lawyers, making significant strides towards a more equitable future in the legal profession.

Women Entrepreneur Magazine had the opportunity to have a conversation with Shanthi, gaining insights into her law journey, her expertise, and her contributions towards empowering women in law.

Take us through your educational background. What led you to foray into the field of law?

I completed my B.A.B.L honours from the School of Excellence in Law, being part of the second batch at that university. What drew me to the field of law was its dynamic nature, constantly evolving and shaped by minimal judgments. The ever-changing landscape fascinated me, and it was this aspect that kept me returning to the field. Simply put, I wanted to become a lawyer, and I successfully pursued that goal.

Tell us about the prior industry experience that you bring to the table. What are some of the key areas of specialization you have developed over the years as a law professional.

I started my journey in the legal field as an intern at Anand Dasgupta & Sagar law firm during my fourth year of studies. After graduating, I continued practicing with K S Natarajan until 2019. My strength stems from a longstanding relationship with my senior, where I learned about various aspects of legal practice over the years. As a result, our firm now specializes in multiple areas including corporate matters, bank recoveries, legal opinions for property disputes, intellectual property, family law, civil litigation, and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Additionally, we handle cases against the government.

My specialization lies in property litigation, and my expertise stems from years of working with papers related to disputed and non-disputed lands, gaining insights into their potential value. This knowledge has developed over my 15-year-long practice as a property expert.

Introduce us to A&S Legal. Tell us about the various roles and responsibilities you shoulder as an advocate at the firm.

A&S Legal is a comprehensive law firm, specializing in personalized legal services. Our focus areas include commercial litigation, white collar crimes, government disputes, restructuring, intellectual property disputes, taxation, and general corporate advisory. Founded in 2019 by myself and a senior colleague, we initially started with two members and have since expanded to a team of 10 women lawyers, each specializing in different segments of law.

In my role as a partner and senior colleague at the firm, my responsibilities are twofold. Firstly, it's crucial for us to inspire and guide the young women lawyers in our team. Law practice involves a diverse range of tasks, from clinical work to researching judgments and references. Encouraging the next generation to embrace all aspects of legal work is a major responsibility. Additionally, we strive to provide these aspiring lawyers with opportunities at the right time, fostering their growth and development within the legal profession.

What are some of the most critical challenges you encounter in your current role at A&S Legal? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?

One of the most critical challenges we face is the perception that the women lawyers are often overlooked, especially in commercial matters. Despite being an all-women's firm that advises corporate clients and banks, breaking this stereotype is a gradual process. Unfortunately, women are still sometimes given second thoughts in commercial matters. To overcome this, we are actively working to change these perceptions by showcasing our expertise and achievements in the corporate sector. We believe that competence knows no gender, and we strive to demonstrate the value and proficiency of women lawyers in all areas of legal practice.

Throw light on the most critical professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What has your success mantra been over the years?

One of the most critical professional milestones in our journey at A&S Legal has been successfully handling and litigating over 2000 cases in the High Court of Madras and lower courts. Additionally, our contributions extend to shaping legal opinions on vital matters and establishing new legal precedents. An example of this is the initiative we took in challenging the requirement for a father's name in passports, setting a new legal proposition. As a firm, we pride ourselves on being open to change, embracing challenges, and actively empowering women at every stage of their professional journey.

I have participated in numerous external speeches focusing on the empowerment and legal rights of women. I have also been a guest lecturer on these topics. Interestingly, beyond my legal pursuits, I am passionate about kids' psychology. I have launched journals for children.

My success mantra over the years has been consistency—consistently returning to the practice, embracing its challenges, and staying updated with the changes. This dedication to staying engaged and informed has propelled me through a career focused on hardcore litigation practice. I would offer the same advice to fellow women: In chasing your dreams, every part is hard for the first time; just keep going and never give up.

K. N. Shanthi, Advocate, A&S Legal

With a distinctive focus on property litigation and over 15 years of expertise, K. N. Shanthi is reshaping the narrative, supporting women to reclaim their space and excel in the intricate realms of law.